While the Shabbat table may be laden with delectable treats, let us remember to regularly pause and nourish our souls with divrei Torah – words of Torah that ignite our inner spark. In this way, the physical sustenance becomes a conduit, channeling our passionate craving to connect with Hashem. Let the food be a reminder of the deeper nourishment we seek.
And let us not forget the power of song! Singing elevates the oneg Shabbat, for it is one of the precious gifts Hashem has bestowed upon us to ‘reach’ Him, even amidst the perceived concealment (hester panim) of the Divine. Music serves as a channel through which we expand our consciousness and begin to connect with our inner, higher selves. When we sing with a full and open heart, we can sense the veils of concealment dissolving before us, revealing a glimpse of the Infinite. This is a true and lasting ‘high’ – a connection to the Divine that transcends the fleeting pleasures of the material world.
